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Foundation Awards $50,000 in Support of At-Risk Students

The Spirit Mountain Community Fund has awarded $50,000 to Willamette University to support Willamette Academy and the Chemawa Indian School-Willamette University Partnership Program. Both programs are designed to help at-risk students graduate from high school and prepare for college.

Established in 2001, Willamette Academy is a Willamette University college preparation program for underserved youth. The academy recruits underrepresented 7th grade students from the Salem-Keizer Public Schools into a free and supplemental five-year academic program providing year-round teaching, tutoring and activities that prepare students for the academic rigor of a college education.

The Chemawa Indian School-Willamette University Partnership Program, initiated in 2005 by staff from both institutions, brings Willamette undergraduate volunteers to the Chemawa Salem campus four nights a week to provide academic tutoring and mentoring.

Spirit Mountain Community Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Spirit Mountain Community Fund donates approximately $5 million each year to local programs and services that benefit citizens striving for self-sufficiency.

02-06-2007